Record Surge in UK Drug Deaths as Cocaine Fatalities Jump 30%

New data reveals drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales have reached an all-time high, driven by a significant increase in cocaine-related fatalities.

The Office for National Statistics reports 5,448 drug poisoning deaths in 2023, marking an 11% rise from the previous year.
Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales increased by 30.5%, with 1,118 fatalities, nearly ten times higher than in 2011.
London saw a 43% increase in cocaine deaths, with the boroughs of Southwark, Haringey, and Hackney recording the highest numbers.
Experts highlight the growing threat of super-strength synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, which contribute to the public health crisis.
Calls for drug policy reform emphasize the need for harm reduction strategies and better access to support services.